Billy Joel’s Heartbreaking Decision: Shutting Down His Iconic Motorcycle Shop Amid Health Struggles

Legendary Musician to Auction Rare Bike Collection as Brain Disorder Forces Tough Choices

By Raine Devries

In a move that has stunned motorcycle enthusiasts and music fans alike, Billy Joel, the “Piano Man” himself, is closing his beloved Long Island motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, after nearly 15 years of operation. The decision comes as the 76-year-old rock legend battles a rare brain disorder, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), which has already forced him to cancel upcoming concerts and now threatens his lifelong passion for two-wheeled treasures.

A Motorcycle Haven Faces Its Final Ride

Located in the heart of Oyster Bay, 20th Century Cycles has been a pilgrimage site for gearheads and Joel fans since opening in 2010. The shop, which showcased Joel’s personal collection of over 75 vintage motorcycles, including Harley-Davidson’s, Triumph’s, Ducati’s, and a prized 1952 Vincent Rapide, was more than just a showroom. It was a love letter to the golden era of motorcycling, celebrating the sleek designs of the 1930s to 1960s. Joel opened the shop not only to maintain and customize his bikes but also to share his passion with the public—completely free of charge.

Billy Joel pictured among his personal collection inside 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay, NY.

“It’s about promoting an aesthetic,” Joel said in a 2013 YouTube video filmed at the shop. “I wanted to collect these bikes and let people see what that era looked like. It’s a lost art.” His vision also breathed life into downtown Oyster Bay, with the street housing 20th Century Cycles even renamed Billy Joel Way in 2023.

But now, the shop’s doors will close in late September 2025, and Joel’s entire collection is headed to auction later this year. The news has left the local community and fans reeling. “It’s a big loss,” said Ted Bahr, owner of a neighboring vintage rock poster gallery. “Billy’s place drew dozens of visitors every weekend—motorcycle riders, tourists, you name it. He’s a hometown hero.”

Health Challenges Steer Joel’s Path

The closure stems from Joel’s recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a condition caused by fluid buildup in the brain that impacts balance, memory, and movement. In a candid interview on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast last month, Joel shared that while he feels good overall, balance issues have taken a toll. “I’m undergoing physical therapy and have been advised to step back from performing,” Joel revealed, a decision that also led to the cancellation of his 2025 concert dates.

For a man whose love for motorcycles spans decades, the decision to shutter 20th Century Cycles is deeply personal. Joel’s passion for bikes began in his youth, surviving a near-fatal 1982 crash on Long Island that left him hospitalized with a broken thumb and dislocated wrist. Despite the risks, he continued riding, even leading charity rides for 9/11 first responders and breast cancer causes.

The Auction: A Rare Chance for Collectors

As Joel steps back, his prized collection of over 75 motorcycles will soon hit the auction block, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Among the gems is the 1952 Vincent Rapide, a bike that can fetch tens of thousands at auction. Other highlights include rare Harley-Davidsons, Moto Guzzis, and BMWs, each meticulously restored or customized under Joel’s watchful eye. While no official auction date has been set, anticipation is already building among collectors and fans eager to own a piece of rock-and-roll history.

A Community Mourns a Cultural Landmark

The closure of 20th Century Cycles isn’t just a loss for Joel—it’s a blow to Oyster Bay. The shop was a magnet for tourists, boosting local businesses and cementing Joel’s legacy as a community champion. “I wanted to bring interest to the town,” Joel said in 2013, reflecting his deep ties to the area where he grew up in nearby Hicksville. His $29.9 million Centre Island home is currently on the market, signaling a shift as he splits time between South Florida and Sag Harbor.

Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness. “Billy Joel’s shop was a bucket-list stop for any biker,” one X user posted. “Heartbreaking to see it go, but wishing him strength.” Others are already speculating about the auction, with some hoping Joel might keep a few bikes for old times’ sake.

What’s Next for the Piano Man?

As Joel navigates his health challenges, fans and the motorcycle community are rallying behind him. The closure of 20th Century Cycles marks the end of an era, but Joel’s legacy—both in music and motorcycling—remains untarnished. For now, the focus is on recovery, with targeted physical therapy guiding his journey.

For collectors, the upcoming auction is a chance to own a piece of Joel’s passion. For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment to reflect on a man who turned his love for music and machines into a cultural touchstone.